Committee Mandate
The RASC has a long and distinguished history as a "learned society" and has adapted and changed many times since its founding in 1868. The History Committee is responsible for maintaining records of the Society's history and helping to celebrate historic milestones and achievements of the Society. Its members also undertake various historical research projects on aspects of Canadian astronomical history.
Committee Activities
The History Committee was recently involved in the recognition of a National Historic Site in St. John's, NF near the site of the 1761 Transit of Venus.
- 2009 – International Year of Astronomy
- 2015 – 125th Anniversary of the RASC
- 2018 – 150th Anniversary of the founding of the Toronto Astronomical Society (forerunner of the RASC)
Committee Definition
The History Committee shall consist of at least three members of the Society.
The History Committee shall:
- maintain the historical records of the Society and make them available to the membership, as well as anyone with a demonstrable interest in using the Society’s collections (subject to rules to be established by the committee),
- administer the Society's collection of books, manuscripts, instruments, periodicals, letters, and photographs, and ensure that they are adequately stored, catalogued, and cared for,
- maintain an up-to-date electronic copy of newsletters and archival items on whatever medium is current to ensure that future inquiries can be answered in a timely manner,
- promote and encourage the study and awareness of the history of astronomy in Canada, and
- have such other duties as may be prescribed by the Council.
Contact Information
To reach the committee you may e-mail the History Committee Chair.
Committee Members - Effective July 2012
- Randall Rosenfeld (Unattached), Chair
- Dr. Roy Bishop (Halifax)
- Peter Broughton (Toronto)
- Robert Duff (London)
- Dr. Chris Gainor (Victoria)
- Dr. Robert Garrison (Toronto, consultant)
- Barry Matthews (Ottawa)
- Glenn Hawley (Calgary, ex officio)
